Homecoming is one of the most fun, competitive, and spirit filled games of the year, but what does it mean to Catlin Gabel? For some, it is an exciting soccer match to watch, surrounded by friends and family. For others, it is pure competition, a quest to beat our classic rival, OES. But what exactly did it mean this year for students and for the varsity soccer teams competing in these games?
The girls’ varsity soccer team has had a great start to their season. Head coach Lisa Unsworth said, “This season has had a lot of energy. We have wonderful young women who on a daily basis show dedication, drive, and a joy for the game. With six seniors who experienced a state championship two years ago, I see a focus from players to equal past accomplishments.”
At Homecoming last Friday night, the team fought hard but unfortunately lost a tough match against rivals OES 0-2. “I think success is measured in an overall student-athlete experience by how much the players enjoyed working together to accomplish our goals and by how much they learned about the world’s most beautiful game,” said Unsworth.
Midfielder Gabby Bishop ’14 remarked that, “Playing in the girls’ game was really exciting because we had a lot of support from our spectators. It was a tough match, but we all still had a lot of fun.”
Homecoming proved to be a winning game for the boys’ varsity soccer team, which beat OES with a final score of 1-0.
Assistant coach Peter Shulman commented, “OES is a well-coached team, and—in English lingo—it’s a ‘derby,’ a rivalry in which both teams laid everything on the line.” He continued, “We were a very young team last year. We’re a much more experienced and physically imposing team this year, particularly in the air. I think we’re stronger across the board and we bring danger from far more places. It’s a great group, full of hard workers who really get the team concept and pull for each other.”
Students celebrate after the boy's varsity winning game! (Photo: Cody Hoyt)
Varsity player Ian McClanan ’16 mentioned, “It made us all so happy to see so many members of our community come together to support my teammates and I in beating our rival school; the fans really made the difference.”
Every October, the whole school comes together to support and celebrate the hard work our athletes have accomplished as they represent Catlin Gabel. At Homecoming, we stand side by side cheering as our teams compete and showcase their athleticism.
Senior Mira Hayward explained, “Homecoming is one of my favorite Catlin traditions. It lets us spend time with and learn more about the rest of our community, which is especially valuable coming so close to the beginning of the year. This is what makes homecoming such a bonding and memory-forming experience that I look forward to every year.”
So how will you remember Homecoming 2012?
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